Monday, 12 July 2010

I think this morning we all need to shout Viva España after last nights tussle to beat the Dutch by that single goal. The Italians have that wonderful (Latin) saying veni vidi vici the Spanish certainly came, saw and conquered the rest of the world. However, I think there was an even bigger winner overall who only won one match and exited in the first round. South Africa showed themselves to be up and coming Giants on the world stage in every direction, and if my own experiences are anything to go by this is a MUST visit country.

In 2006 I took a flight to Johannesburg and then backpacked through Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho and back into South Africa. All 4 countries were equally friendly despite there being some difference in development, but throughout the infrastructure made for a pleasant and smooth trip.

Crossing the border from Swaziland back into SA in the mountains of Lebombo, I journeyed to Lesotho then to Bloemfontein before undertaking the extremely long coach journey to Cape Town.

The first views of Table Mountain were impressive to say the least,

but closer you were able to take the cable car to the summit via one hell of a queue.

There I met up with my mate Jim the Medic, spending a few days in the Lord Nelson at Simonstown (notice the notice),

giving us time to view the Jackass Penguins before heading east along the magnificent Coastal Highway.

A short stop at the Toe of Africa before moving on to the

Cape Agalhas Lighthouse built in 1849. (This photo is dedicated to the Lifton's of Lighthouse spotting fame).

Me and the Skinny Kid at the point where the force of 2 mighty Oceans meet, the Indian and Atlantic. It is possible to see the contraflow of tidal movement here. From there we toured the vast expanse of the Little Karoo for a few days, before coming to the picturesque village of Tulbagh. In the Cape Dutch Quarter the area is famed for its wine production, and I can tell you we took no time at all to prove this for ourselves - fan-blooming-tastic.

Each evening we dined under blossoming Jacaranda trees, serenaded by mine host who's forte was opera, and not to be outdone I fired in a few 60's songs for good measure. However, this is not all that the hamlet is famous for, as one of the residents is none other than Blues drummer extraordinaire, Peter (Ginger) Baker. We had no trouble locating him on our last day, as he is predictably at the same cafe each day at 13-00. Not what you would call an affable man, but we did sit next to the legend for all of our meal.

The next day we started to head south, and as we passed a stud and huge house we pulled up quickly to photograph this sign. No need to say who lived there?

A view through the fertile Stellenbosch Valley before returning to Cape Town,

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About Me

Born Beeston, Notts 1946, my family moved to Dorset 1959. Joined the Royal Navy age 15 years and 50 days serving 10 years. In frigates firstly then over 5 years in Submarines as a Seaman/Diver, reaching the dizzy heights of Leading Seaman before leaving to join the Merchant Service, working in Ocean Salvage and Harbour Tugs, passenger / cargo ships, trials vessels, etc. Qualified as Mate (Chief Officer) in 1976 and as Master (Captain) in 1978. For my final 20 years of 47 I worked in the Offshore Oil Industry initially on the drilling rig Stena Hunter, then the accommodation barge Borgland Dolphin and finally the Floating Production Platform Buchan Alpha. On the rigs I forged a number of long lasting friendships several of whom shared some of my extensive travels. Setting foot on Caymen, Bermuda, Bahamas and The Azores in March 2013 brought my countries total to 147. The best, undoubtedly, was Antarctica, followed by Australia, Mongolia, Belize, Zimbabwe, China and Madagascar, in no particular order. As for my greatest achievement in life, my 2 beautiful daughters bear witness to that. Love to all our readers, your in my thoughts. Bagsy